Abstract: A carriage assembly embodying pre-recorded media such as tape or film, and typically a VHS or other standard reel-type video cassette, incorporate built-in self-contained control means. This includes a timer operable to define a pre-set user period, e.g. a hire period from a video library, during which normal replay and other operation of the assembly can take place, and inhibiting means, for example an electrically powered oscillator automatically activated at the end of the period to prevent or inhibit replay or other operation, in the case of the oscillator by emitting a signal picked up by the play back head of the user's equipment so that the image and/or sound is degraded and "jammed." In alternative constructions the inhibiting means act on mechanism of the assembly itself or its interfacing with the equipment to prevent further playback. A counter or other register or memory means may also be incorporated to record usage. The timer can only be reset by use of a code key device.